The Wish You Were Here Variety Show returns on Friday, February 28, bringing an evening of live music, comedy, and storytelling to the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Created and hosted by Bryan Dupuis, the show blends professional artistry with a deep commitment to community, offering audiences a night that is both entertaining and meaningfully human.
The February 28 performance features a dynamic lineup including Garden Variety String Band, Drew Dunbar, Justin Paciacco, and the COTU Players, whose sketch comedy adds a playful and unpredictable element to the night.
Wish You Were Here Variety Show
Part concert, part comedy showcase, and part storytelling experience, Wish You Were Here is intentionally designed to feel more like a shared gathering than a traditional performance— inviting audiences to laugh, reflect, and experience something together.
“The heart of Wish You Were Here is creating space for people to feel connected—to the artists, to each other, and to the stories that remind us there’s a better story unfolding all around us,” said Dupuis.
A Collaborative Creative Process
Each show is built collaboratively with the featured artists, allowing performers to bring their authentic voice and personality to the stage rather than fitting into a rigid format.
“I don’t think of this as booking acts as much as curating conversations,” Dupuis explained. “When artists are given room to be fully themselves, the audience feels that honesty immediately.”
Highlighting Community Impact
In addition to showcasing live performance, the February 28 show will highlight the work of Comfort Zone Camps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.
Comfort Zone Camp
“One of the defining values of Wish You Were Here is using creativity to shine a light on people and organizations doing meaningful work,” said Dupuis. “Comfort Zone Camps is creating space for kids to grieve, heal, and feel understood—and that mission aligns beautifully with what this show is about.”
Throughout the evening, audiences will learn more about Comfort Zone Camps and the impact of their work, reinforcing the show’s commitment to storytelling that extends beyond the stage.
An Audience-Centered Experience
Audience response has become one of the most distinctive aspects of the Wish You Were Here experience, with laughter often giving way to moments of quiet attentiveness.
“One of my favorite moments is when the room shifts—from laughing out loud to being completely still because a song or story just landed,” Dupuis said. “You can feel everyone leaning in together.”
Attendees frequently describe the show as uplifting and refreshingly different.
“People often tell us, ‘I didn’t know I needed this,’” Dupuis added. “That’s always the hope— that people leave lighter than they arrived.”
Rooted in Community
Beyond entertainment, Wish You Were Here exists to celebrate creativity, generosity, and hope within the local community.
“The goal isn’t just a great night out,” said Dupuis. “It’s reminding people that beauty, humor, and compassion are already present around us—and worth paying attention to.”
The February 28 performance promises a fresh mix of music, comedy, and storytelling, all delivered with warmth, humor, and heart.
Event Details:
What: Wish You Were Here Variety Show
When: Friday, February 28, 7PM
Where: Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
Tickets: wishyouwereherelive.com